Story begins at 00:01:20. On receiving the gift of a "fine violin" from his un-musical uncle, Ernest is astonished to discover it was bought in a back-street junk shop for three shillings and sixpence. But it's soon apparent that the violin has a special quality all of its own... Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. Some background notes on the story and the author can be found in the video description. If you enjoy this, you may like to listen to some of my other recordings: Victorian Ghost Stories: th-cam.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZISCGdeBUtYxynNFtZCeRrv.html Early 20th Century Ghost Stories: th-cam.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZI0zeT0uMxvy9TkkoUvtOAZ.html Classic Detective Stories: th-cam.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZL5tiXECltwXUI2QDDFrDHD.html
Thank you for being a real human voice... AI is an affront to the thousands of years of the story teller being the collective heart and memories of of people who would be forgotten in the mists of time
And thank YOU Mike, for listening and for taking the time to comment! I heartily agree regarding AI... I refuse to use it in any form, including for cover artwork or research, let alone voice work, and I regret the amount of content these days which seems to be employing it. There seem to be an awful lot of channels popping up now which use AI voices (some of which pretend not to!), but to me the soulless readings are unlistenable. Perhaps I'm holding out against the inevitable, but no matter how intelligent AI is, I can't see how it can ever replicate the creative choices an actor or narrator makes when interpreting a text, different and individual every time
@@BitesizedAudio Some AI channels are not doing well either for a reason, they are dreadful & the sound is like a tinny down inside a barrel sound. Unbearable to listen to
@@BitesizedAudio I commented negatively on one that was particularly bad, bad pronunciation, grammatically atrocious,no vocal timing or nuance..at least the reply sounded like a genuine person by the amount of whinging about my bad taste, the number of likes and positive reviews etc.. didn't even finish reading his defensive protestations,...let alone reply... What is the use in running, when you are running the wrong way??
Just in time for a cozy evening, thank you , dear narrator. I work a pretty labourous job and settling in for the evening with a creepy or suspenseful story really hits the spot. Your calm, commanding voice is miles above the wannabes that try too hard with inflection or use stock music. Thank you Simon, you are one of a kind. Sincerely, Nathan ❤
Ever the fan of pretty music that i am, i cant imagine a more appropriate and yet sad ending for a character or a real person. I love violin music almost as much as i love piano. Neither of which am i worth even laughing at when i play but still, i envy the people who can express so much in that beautiful language that our species has learned. I wish i had someone to push me to learn violin when i was young. Even if i could just barely drag a tune behind me much less carry one, id still be happy that i had tried. Anyway, thanks for the story. Its always good to hear one that has to do with music.
Mr. Marsh seems like a new name to me; wonderful to be able to trust our narrator, and know one is "in safe hands". Your delivery remains that good deed shining in a naughty world, dropping like the gentle rain from heaven. Thank you. ❤
@Lemma01 You're most welcome, thank you for your kind comments. Yes, as Stewart says, I have done another story by Richard Marsh previously, 'The Houseboat'... I'm slightly astonished to find it was four years ago! And as Andrew says, Greg Wagland has done a great version of 'The Beetle' on his channel, highly recommended
Yes, that is it. We can relax, listening to Simon. He never makes a mistake, always correct pronunciations. It draws you in like a smooth river of words. I listen to a lot of different narrations, love the speakers but they can pull some real clunkers. Simon never does.
"A gin-and-watery eye." : D Wonderful! Terrific story, and most delightful performance as ever, Sir. I appreciate the details, as well as the author's artistic choice not to bury the denouement in excessive explanation. There are little suggestions and hints throughout the tale that just take one along so that the climax and the conclusion satisfy and feel just right. Thanks very much!
It would have been humane of Ernest to have kept better track of his friend's well-being, and to have bought him a lunch now and then. Surely he knew the friend was declining.
Poignant end for both musician and instrument .... Music is my biggest passion in life so I really enjoyed this one. Some drollery too. Thanks for the impeccable narration as always!
My dear Simon, Thank you, Thank You, Thank You! Bavro once again. I could listen to you recite the phone book and be perfectly content. Thankfully you are choosing the content!😂
My 2 nd time listening and it’s as good no GREAT! As the last one!! Your voice has got to be the most, gentlemanly and soothing and perfect to listen to!
Yes, the introductory piece of music is called 'Remembering Her' performed by the very talented Esther Abrami. I'm not sure whether she composed it herself or not. Esther has her own TH-cam channel, which is certainly worth checking out
Ernest payed 3 shillings and sixpence for his violin. Sherlock Holmes payed 55 shillings for a genuine Stradivarius that he found in a Jewish Pawnbrokers on Tottenham Court Road (He reckoned it was worth over 500 guineas. God knows what it would be worth now).
Oh Simon! To think I almost missed this….. forgive me! I get 200 plus notifications a day and if I am busy…. Of course I can’t catch every one but I caught this by checking! And I am glad that I did! Excellent as always! Blessings upon you in abundance! 🪷💜🙏
This is a unique calm educational rare and precious addition to modern youtube platforms.i imagine this chaps acting is also good. Keep up the good work.
There really is no one to better you Simon, at both excellent narration and excellent story choice. Thank you. I am transported to my childhood before TV. Listening to radio plays with my grandmother as she sewed. She was a dressmaker. Ah happy days.
A wonderful tale with a twist as always . Sorry for not commenting for awhile, I gotten side tracked by TH-cam and all the free movie channels. It's a treat to just sit back and listen. Minus all the car chases and hot women of course.
I have not had a chance to listen to this yet. But I am about to remedy that situation. Thank you Simon. I love your interpretations and your voice is amazing.
I check and check and check again and then on a day like this where there’s another instalment, I am filled with joy! Thank you @SimonStanhope; I am always grateful🙏🏾🥰 …now, I’m off to listen❤
I'm glad too! Sorry to hear you've been having technical problems, but hope they're resolved now... clicking the Like button helps me grow, apparently!
Wonderful story Simon! Thank you. Who played the violin at the beginning and ending of the story? It was lovely, and added so much to the telling of the story. Thanks again!
What excellent characterizations - capturing the quirky humor of the narrator (as in, "The proprietor of the shop appeared to be a lady") as well as the vividness of his reported interlocutors! And what a delightful, moving addition to your musical (and other 'artistic') ghost story selections: many thanks!
Glad to know you enjoyed it. Yes, I do generally try to find music reasonably suitable in tone for the story where possible, but I only have a few pieces available to me unfortunately and the music isn't a perfect match for this one. I used to pay a subscription to a music library for rights to use a much larger number of tracks, but I found that I kept being hit by copyright claims (even though I had the licence for use on YT, and could prove it), which just became annoying ... so I now restrict myself to the TH-cam creator library, and the classical choice is rather limited
Story begins at 00:01:20. On receiving the gift of a "fine violin" from his un-musical uncle, Ernest is astonished to discover it was bought in a back-street junk shop for three shillings and sixpence. But it's soon apparent that the violin has a special quality all of its own...
Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. Some background notes on the story and the author can be found in the video description. If you enjoy this, you may like to listen to some of my other recordings:
Victorian Ghost Stories: th-cam.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZISCGdeBUtYxynNFtZCeRrv.html
Early 20th Century Ghost Stories: th-cam.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZI0zeT0uMxvy9TkkoUvtOAZ.html
Classic Detective Stories: th-cam.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZL5tiXECltwXUI2QDDFrDHD.html
Thankee, Mr. Stanhope, appreciation & salutations from the States, as always!
Thank you for being a real human voice... AI is an affront to the thousands of years of the story teller being the collective heart and memories of of people who would be forgotten in the mists of time
And thank YOU Mike, for listening and for taking the time to comment! I heartily agree regarding AI... I refuse to use it in any form, including for cover artwork or research, let alone voice work, and I regret the amount of content these days which seems to be employing it. There seem to be an awful lot of channels popping up now which use AI voices (some of which pretend not to!), but to me the soulless readings are unlistenable. Perhaps I'm holding out against the inevitable, but no matter how intelligent AI is, I can't see how it can ever replicate the creative choices an actor or narrator makes when interpreting a text, different and individual every time
@@BitesizedAudio Some AI channels are not doing well either for a reason, they are dreadful & the sound is like a tinny down inside a barrel sound. Unbearable to listen to
@@BitesizedAudio I commented negatively on one that was particularly bad, bad pronunciation, grammatically atrocious,no vocal timing or nuance..at least the reply
sounded like a genuine person by the amount of whinging about my bad taste, the number of likes and positive reviews etc.. didn't even finish reading his defensive protestations,...let alone reply... What is the use in running, when you are running the wrong way??
100% agree! They’re awful.
Just in time for a cozy evening, thank you , dear narrator. I work a pretty labourous job and settling in for the evening with a creepy or suspenseful story really hits the spot. Your calm, commanding voice is miles above the wannabes that try too hard with inflection or use stock music. Thank you Simon, you are one of a kind.
Sincerely,
Nathan ❤
Appreciated, thank you Nathan
What a touching story and, as always, exceptionally read. Thank you, Simon.
Aww, what a sad, tragic story! Makes me want to feed every skinny person I see!
👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍!!!!!!
Poor sweet little man...what a sad story.
My husband and I just love your stories!! Thank you Simon😊
YAY❣❣❣ I love your reading. Thank you.❤
Ever the fan of pretty music that i am, i cant imagine a more appropriate and yet sad ending for a character or a real person.
I love violin music almost as much as i love piano. Neither of which am i worth even laughing at when i play but still, i envy the people who can express so much in that beautiful language that our species has learned.
I wish i had someone to push me to learn violin when i was young. Even if i could just barely drag a tune behind me much less carry one, id still be happy that i had tried.
Anyway, thanks for the story. Its always good to hear one that has to do with music.
I enjoy stories where music plays an important motivation within the plot! 👁️🤎🪑🎻🎼🗝️🚪🎶
Mr. Marsh seems like a new name to me; wonderful to be able to trust our narrator, and know one is "in safe hands". Your delivery remains that good deed shining in a naughty world, dropping like the gentle rain from heaven. Thank you. ❤
He is from an old Innsmouth family line if I am not mistaken
there is another of his stories on this channel, The Houseboat.
Marsh's novel The Beetle is also worth a listen. Greg Wagland read it for Sherlock Holmes Stories Magpie Audio.
@Lemma01 You're most welcome, thank you for your kind comments. Yes, as Stewart says, I have done another story by Richard Marsh previously, 'The Houseboat'... I'm slightly astonished to find it was four years ago! And as Andrew says, Greg Wagland has done a great version of 'The Beetle' on his channel, highly recommended
Yes, that is it. We can relax, listening to Simon. He never makes a mistake, always correct pronunciations. It draws you in like a smooth river of words. I listen to a lot of different narrations, love the speakers but they can pull some real clunkers. Simon never does.
Your fine narration brings this story to life. Wonderful. ❤
That's my bedtime story sorted. See you under the duvet, cher Simon. ❤
😂😂😂
Exactly how i feel ❤
Me too ❤😊
Owww are we all invited?
"A gin-and-watery eye." : D Wonderful! Terrific story, and most delightful performance as ever, Sir. I appreciate the details, as well as the author's artistic choice not to bury the denouement in excessive explanation. There are little suggestions and hints throughout the tale that just take one along so that the climax and the conclusion satisfy and feel just right. Thanks very much!
It's a good line, isn't it? Thanks for your insightful comment, I agree
Thank you Simon. I'm not sure I would sleep at all without you ❤
A Sad, but beautiful story. Thank you Simon!
"There are more things in heaven and earth that are dreamt of.........Horatio"
My hero, proving once and for all that many a good tune can be played on an old fiddle. Bravo, maestro. ❤
Thank you, Simon. Good story...so well narrated.
This was entertaining, but oughtn't the two men have figured out what was going on much sooner?
A fair point... clearly they hadn't read enough of these sorts of stories!
Always a delight to find you've uploaded another story - thank you
Thank you so much!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
An interesting story, sweet and sentimental. Thank you for a story well told.
It would have been humane of Ernest to have kept better track of his friend's well-being, and to have bought him a lunch now and then. Surely he knew the friend was declining.
Thank you. ❤ Your performances are just brilliant.
Thank you kindly
Most grateful Simon! I was beginning to pine a bit! 💚
Sorry to keep you waiting! I've been busy behind the scenes... the next episode of Mr Pooter's diary is uploading shortly
Such a treat every story just what the doctor order quality simon time ❤
Thanks Shirley
What a wonderful story by my favorite reader.
Thank you, Simon. I love this story and am excited to hear you tell it.
Awesome story love it
Ah, 🎟️🎬🌬️🫧The Violin🎼🎻
〰️🎵〰️🎶〰️🎵〰️🎶〰️🎵〰️
WONDERFUL & OTHERWORLDLY
〰️🎶🤎🗝️🚪⚰️🎶🤎🎶🎻〰️
Thank you Simon.
I was enthralled & intrigued from start to finish.
I shall probably listen to it at least twice again.
Wonderful 😍😊
Poignant end for both musician and instrument .... Music is my biggest passion in life so I really enjoyed this one. Some drollery too. Thanks for the impeccable narration as always!
That was absolutely delightful. Thank you so much.
Really enjoyed this tale, Thank You Simon... ❤
Is there an undertone of homoerotic love between the 2 young men in the story? That’s certainly how I read it.
My dear Simon, Thank you, Thank You, Thank You! Bavro once again. I could listen to you recite the phone book and be perfectly content. Thankfully you are choosing the content!😂
"She was very dirty and very fat". I see they had online dating sites in the Victorian era as well, somehow!!! Er, ah, excuse me...
Fabulous, thank you.I loved your narration and being introduced to a new author.
My violin still has its frets on it & I'm sure they will stay there forever as I have no talent for playing music🎻
You're Ode a lot of joy for these Stories
I see what you did there!
Ahhh more Victorian and Edwardian spooky tales ... ❤ Thanks Simon!
My violin still has the frets on it ..the removable type🎻
Enjoyed very much.
This was the last thing my washing machine heard before it died😢
O, dear! Ghastly when that happens.😢
RIP your washing machine
Thanks Simon. Welcome compay for my insomnia!
Fabulous narration 🥰 interesting story 🤩
My 2 nd time listening and it’s as good no GREAT! As the last one!!
Your voice has got to be the most, gentlemanly and soothing and perfect to listen to!
Thank you very much!
I was hoping you'd be here tonight and here you are, right on time. Thank you.
Glad to help!
This is poignant ... Thank You *Simon*
By the way can someone give the name of the introduction jingle it's beautiful
Yes, the introductory piece of music is called 'Remembering Her' performed by the very talented Esther Abrami. I'm not sure whether she composed it herself or not. Esther has her own TH-cam channel, which is certainly worth checking out
you have a way of bringing the characters to life with excellent narration .Thank you.
Kind of you to say, thank you
What a masterful delivery of this exquisitely funny ghost story.
Thank you kindly
Good deal! Thanks Simon.
A new one for me! Thank you so much.
A rather dense young man. No wonder the violinist pined away to nothing.
yea, I was sort of thinking that too ....
Ernest payed 3 shillings and sixpence for his violin. Sherlock Holmes payed 55 shillings for a genuine Stradivarius that he found in a Jewish Pawnbrokers on Tottenham Court Road (He reckoned it was worth over 500 guineas. God knows what it would be worth now).
Oh Simon! To think I almost missed this….. forgive me! I get 200 plus notifications a day and if I am busy…. Of course I can’t catch every one but I caught this by checking! And I am glad that I did! Excellent as always! Blessings upon you in abundance! 🪷💜🙏
Glad you found me Maria! More coming soon...
@@BitesizedAudio ♥️
This is a unique calm educational rare and precious addition to modern youtube platforms.i imagine this chaps acting is also good. Keep up the good work.
Good one!
Really good!
There really is no one to better you Simon, at both excellent narration and excellent story choice. Thank you. I am transported to my childhood before TV. Listening to radio plays with my grandmother as she sewed. She was a dressmaker. Ah happy days.
This story was captivatinng and poignant, narrated by my favorite voice. Lovely, thank you.
A wonderful tale with a twist as always . Sorry for not commenting for awhile, I gotten side tracked by TH-cam and all the free movie channels. It's a treat to just sit back and listen. Minus all the car chases and hot women of course.
Another poignant tale in the same vein as the Empty Chair and the Walnut Tree House. Masterfully narrated as always.
I have not had a chance to listen to this yet. But I am about to remedy that situation. Thank you Simon. I love your interpretations and your voice is amazing.
“All the heavy artillery of music.” “Do you know his haunts?” I love the humor in this one.
Thanks so much, Simon. 😊
Such an eerie, sad tale! Wonderful narration as always. Thank you, Simon!
This was a curiously creepy tale. Thanks once again, Mr. Stanhope.
This would’ve been a very different story had only one person been able to hear the you-know-what.
Ty Simon ❤
I don't know why but this is one of my favorite stories. You read it so well Simon.
Another fantastic interpretation/production! Thank you!
Thank you 😊
😊wonderful! You know we’d all wait as long as necessary 💚💚🙏🏽
I think this site is delightful!
Thank you Deirdre
❤❤❤
❤thank you Simon! always a pleasure..
Wonderful.
Thank you,Simon.
Dark and stormy night here in the Alleghenies. Right on time.
Bedtime. Excellent!!
Sleep well!
I check and check and check again and then on a day like this where there’s another instalment, I am filled with joy! Thank you @SimonStanhope; I am always grateful🙏🏾🥰
…now, I’m off to listen❤
You're most welcome!
Loving your stories Simon. Thank you. I like that the video finally let me push the like button.
It finally let me like this one.
I'm glad too! Sorry to hear you've been having technical problems, but hope they're resolved now... clicking the Like button helps me grow, apparently!
Another delightful story
Evening wear jumpsuits
As beautiful if sad story
What a melancholy tale. Well told.
I love the narration thank you
Very enjoyable story. 👍
Wonderful story Simon! Thank you. Who played the violin at the beginning and ending of the story? It was lovely, and added so much to the telling of the story. Thanks again!
You're welcome, Nell, glad to know you enjoyed it. The intro music is taken from the TH-cam creators' library, where it's credited to "Cooper Cannell"
@@BitesizedAudio I did enjoy it, as I enjoy all of your readings. Cooper Cannell is a lovely violinist. Thanks again Simon!
What excellent characterizations - capturing the quirky humor of the narrator (as in, "The proprietor of the shop appeared to be a lady") as well as the vividness of his reported interlocutors! And what a delightful, moving addition to your musical (and other 'artistic') ghost story selections: many thanks!
Thank you!
Thank you Simon for this sad yet sweet tale. Your voice is so soothing.
Thank you Simon!
Nice story. Odd to finish with a cello playing.
Glad to know you enjoyed it. Yes, I do generally try to find music reasonably suitable in tone for the story where possible, but I only have a few pieces available to me unfortunately and the music isn't a perfect match for this one. I used to pay a subscription to a music library for rights to use a much larger number of tracks, but I found that I kept being hit by copyright claims (even though I had the licence for use on YT, and could prove it), which just became annoying ... so I now restrict myself to the TH-cam creator library, and the classical choice is rather limited
How sad.
Complete
Ludwig 👍
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you for this beautiful story Simon.
💜💙💚
Lovely.
There are times that insomnia is a blessing. 😊
Good story 👏